Olympic gold medallist Libby Trickett has revealed how the power of social media has been one of the biggest challenges she faces as a mother.

The former Australian swimmer said vulnerable mothers who are constantly seeing the seemingly perfect lives other parents lead on Facebook or Instagram could be detrimental.

Speaking to Kidspot, the 32-year-old has called on fellow mothers to share the reality of being a parent - whether it's good or bad moments.

'Share the poo in the bath. Share the midnight spew you've just had to clean up…share those moments as well as the gorgeous first birthday and the perfectly made cake and those sorts of things,' she said.

Olympic gold medallist Libby Trickett has revealed how the power of social media has been one of the biggest challenges she faces as a mother (pictured with daughter Poppy)

The 32-year-old has called on fellow mothers to share the reality of being a parent - whether it's good or bad moments

The devoted mother also opened up about her daughter, saying 19-month-old Poppy has taught her more than swimming ever did.

'It's probably tested me to my limits more than I ever could have imagined. More than I was tested in swimming because swimming I was good at, you know. And you kind of get feedback that you're good at it…,' she said.

'But when you have a newborn particularly, but even at 19 months you still kind of go "I don't know if I'm doing a good job. I don't know if this is the right way to do it.'

On Monday, Ms Trickett spoke candidly on Instagram about the tough side of motherhood in an effort to remind other parents they 'are not alone'.

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'Yes, it's joyful. Yes, it's a blessing. Yes, it is without a doubt an absolute miracle. But it's also hard and lonely. It can be isolating and bone achingly tiring.

'I found the transition to motherhood tough. Hell, I still can find it bloody tough at times 19 months in but I wanted to share my story in case it helps another mother out there that might be finding things hard right now.

'And mums, out there, just remember you are not alone!! If you're having a tough time, reach out for help. We are all just trying to do our best.'

Earlier this week, Ms Trickett revealed she once broke down and started 'yelling' at her eight-month-old daughter, Poppy, while sleep deprived (both pictured)

In the past, Ms Trickett has spoken vocally about her struggle to adjust to motherhood (both pictured), confessing it took her nearly seven months to figure out 'why people love babies'

Earlier this week, Ms Trickett revealed she once broke down and started 'yelling' at her then eight-month-old daughter, Poppy, in frustration.

Speaking to Mamamia, the 32-year-old said she screamed at her new baby because she hadn't slept for more than 45 minutes after her daughter arrived.

'I ended up yelling at her, literally at the top of my lungs for about 15 minutes straight,' the mother-of-one said, honestly.

'I was so resentful of the fact that she wasn't letting me sleep and I had no space from her because we were co-sleeping all night and then she was tired because she was waking every 45 minutes, too…

'It felt like we weren't connecting the way I really wanted to.'

'I ended up yelling at her, literally at the top of my lungs for about 15 minutes straight,' the mother-of-one said, honestly (pictured at the pool)

Ms Trickett said that after she found herself 'yelling' at Poppy, she went to see her GP as well as a psychologist (pictured with Poppy)

'That could be considered as quite selfish but you can't pour from an empty cup,' she said (pictured holding Poppy)

Ms Trickett said that after she found herself 'yelling' at Poppy, she went to see her GP as well as a psychologist.

With professional help, the swimmer put a plan in place.

These days, the most important part of Ms Trickett's meditation is exercise.

Whether she goes for a morning walk or heads to the gym to go for a swim or lift some weights, she makes sure she does something that is 'nourishing for myself' - as well as being a mother.

'That could be considered as quite selfish but you can't pour from an empty cup,' she said.

The mother-of-one added that Poppy's sleeping problems have since lifted, and the pair have together come out the other side.